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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Blasts from our past

We've been blessed lately to get to see some of our babies that have gone home. I've made some home visits and some have just turned up out of the blue to visit. Such a great surprise!

Today Josephine came to visit. She looked so good, and let me hold her for a long time. She has just started nursery school.

Josie in 2009

Josie today

Last week I went to Emmanuel's village nearby. He left us here in 2008, but he looks just the same as he did then. He is precious and talkative and in grade 1.

The day Emmanuel left to go home

Emmanuel last week

On that same trip, I went to see Chilala. She stays in nearby Choma, so we can see her pretty often. Unfortunately, they woke her up from a nap to meet us, so she was really grumpy. But she's happy and healthy, and we were blessed to hug on her for a little bit.

Chilala in August 2012

Chilala at home last week

Kritz went home in 2011, but when he showed up unannounced at the Haven a couple of weeks ago, there was no doubt it was him. He has not changed a bit! I mean, he's a little taller and sporting a cool vest, but besides that, just the same. He acted so grown up and polite.

Kritz in 2010

Kritz a couple of weeks ago

Carol just left a couple of weeks ago, but because she's older and this was a huge change for her, we wanted to make sure she was transitioning okay. We had such a happy reunion! She was so proud to show me her new home, her new friends, her new family. It seems like she is thrilled to be home, and we're glad she's close enough where we can check on her often. She asked about all her friends back at the Haven and held me tightly when we were saying bye. But then as I drove off, she just waved and ran back to play with her cousins. I'm grateful kids are so resilient.

Carol and her brother in front of their family home

Carol and her cousins in their cooking hut

Twapegwa went home in October, and the home she and her grandmother share just burnt to the ground. So she came back to visit under some tragic circumstances. Thankfully, they are all fine, but they needed help getting new clothes and a blanket for Twapegwa. We were all happy to see her again.

Aunties Emmeldah and Gertrude with Twapegwa

It's always so refreshing to see those little lives that once walked out our doors thriving at home now. We have some pretty cute kids!